Apparatus and method for processing an input-signal voltage

ABSTRACT

A circuit for processing an input-signal voltage comprises a first comparator comprising a first-comparator sense node and a reference capacitance that is coupled to the first-comparator sense node, a second comparator comprising a second-comparator sense node, and a comparator select switch coupled between a path input terminal of the circuit and the first-comparator sense node and the second-comparator sense node. A method of processing at least one input-signal voltage using at least one associated threshold voltage in a circuit, wherein a plurality of comparators comprises more comparators than there are path input terminals coupled to path output terminals, comprises selectively making a coupling via one comparator of two comparators provided in parallel to form a coupling path from the path input terminal to an associated path output terminal, while breaking the coupling via the other comparator.

The present disclosure relates to a circuit for processing aninput-signal voltage using a threshold voltage.

In recent years voltage comparators have become typical building blocksin microcontrollers. Typically, accuracy of the comparator is important.

Accuracy of a comparator can be achieved at the time of manufacturing adevice that includes the comparator. Given a predetermined inputvoltage, the comparator can be set so as to provide an expected output.However, there is a need for comparators that are accurate in the longterm, that is, in spite of long term effects that, at the time ofmanufacturing, are negligible.

Often, there is a need for a comparator to continuously sense an inputsignal. Comparators that continuously accurately sense an input signaltend to be complicated and, therefore, such comparators are slow.However, there is also a need for comparators that are fast.

Further, an output signal of continuous time comparators tends to togglewhen the input signal is close to a comparator threshold.Conventionally, a positive feedback loop is used to reduce toggling.However, a positive feedback loop that is accurate and fast requires alot of area and consumes plenty of power. There is a desire to reducesurface area required for circuitry related to the positive feedbackand/or to reduce power consumption related to the suppression oftoggling.

The independent claims define the invention in various aspects. Thedependent claims state embodiments according to the invention in thevarious aspects. In the following, the disclosure will be furtherexplained and described by means of specific example embodiments withreference to the enclosed drawings.

In one aspect, a circuit for processing an input-signal voltagecomprises an input capacitance coupled between an input node of thecircuit and a sense node of a comparator, and a reference capacitancecoupled to the sense node of the comparator.

In one aspect, a method of processing an input-signal voltage comprisesconfiguring a reference capacitance coupled to an input capacitance;during a charge phase, charging the reference capacitance to a firstlevel reference voltage, and obtaining, at a sense node between thereference capacitance and the input capacitance, a threshold voltage;during an operative phase, setting the input capacitance to theinput-signal voltage to obtain, at the sense node, a sense voltage; andforming a digital signal representative of the sense voltage being aboveor below the threshold voltage, e.g., being positive or negative.

In one aspect, a circuit for processing an input-signal voltagecomprises a comparator including a sense node coupled to an inputterminal for the input-signal voltage, and a reference capacitancecoupled to the sense node, wherein the reference capacitance isconfigurable based on an output signal of the comparator.

In one aspect, a method for processing an input-signal voltage comprisesstoring charge on a reference capacitance; setting an input capacitanceto the input-signal voltage, wherein the reference capacitance and theinput capacitance share a common node; and setting a sense node of acomparator to a voltage at the common node, wherein a chargeredistribution between the input capacitance and the referencecapacitance via the common node is based on an output signal of thecomparator.

In one aspect, a circuit for processing an input-signal voltagecomprises a first comparator comprising a first-comparator sense nodeand a first-comparator output node; a second comparator comprising asecond-comparator sense node and a second-comparator output node; acomparator select switch coupled between a path input terminal of thecircuit and the first-comparator sense node and the second-comparatorsense node; and an output circuit coupled to the first-comparator outputand to the second-comparator output node; wherein the comparator selectswitch is configured to connect the path input terminal to at least oneof the first-comparator sense node and the second-comparator sense node,and wherein the output circuit is configured to form a comparator outputsignal of the circuit based on a first-comparator output signal receivedfrom the first-comparator output node and/or on a second-comparatoroutput signal received from the second-comparator output node.

In one aspect, a circuit for processing an input-signal voltagecomprises a first comparator including a first-comparator sense node anda reference capacitance that is coupled to the first-comparator sensenode; a second comparator including a second-comparator sense node; anda comparator select switch coupled between a path input terminal of thecircuit and the first-comparator sense node and the second-comparatorsense node, wherein the comparator select switch is configured toselectively couple the path input terminal to one of thefirst-comparator sense node and the second-comparator sense node.

In one aspect, a circuit for processing a plurality of input-signalvoltages comprises a plurality of path input terminals coupled, via aplurality of comparators arranged in parallel, to a plurality of pathoutput terminals, wherein the plurality of comparators comprises morecomparators than there are path input terminals coupled to path outputterminals; and an output circuit coupled to a plurality of output nodesof the plurality of comparators, wherein the output circuit isconfigured to form a plurality of comparator output signals of thecircuit based on a logical combination of a plurality of output signalsreceived from the plurality of comparator output nodes.

In one aspect, a circuit for processing a plurality of input-signalvoltages comprises a plurality of path input terminals coupled, via aplurality of comparators arranged in parallel, to a plurality of pathoutput terminals, wherein the plurality of comparators comprises morecomparators than there are path input terminals coupled to path outputterminals.

In one aspect, a method for processing at least one input-signal voltagein a circuit, wherein the circuit includes at least one path inputterminal coupled, via a plurality of comparators, to at least one pathoutput terminal, and wherein the plurality of comparators includes morecomparators than there are path input terminals coupled to path outputterminals, comprises, for each path input terminal, selectively making acoupling via one comparator of two comparators provided in parallel toform a coupling path from the path input terminal to an associated pathoutput terminal, while breaking the coupling via the other comparator.

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as amode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best beunderstood by reference to the following detailed description of anillustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram that schematically illustrates a circuit ina first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary detail of thecircuit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary detail of thecircuit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary detail of thecircuit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram that illustrates a circuit in a thirdembodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a table that illustrates states of the circuit in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram that illustrates a circuit in a thirdembodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a table that illustrates states of the circuit in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram that illustrates a circuit in a secondembodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a table that illustrates states of the circuit in FIG. 9.

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to theattached drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals are used torefer to like elements throughout, and wherein the illustratedstructures and devices are not necessarily drawn to scale. As usedherein, like terms refer to like elements throughout the description. Insome instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified to clarifythe description of the exemplary implementations.

In one embodiment, a circuit in a comparator unit for processing aninput-signal voltage VIN using a threshold voltage VTH comprises aninput capacitance coupled between an input node of the circuit and asense node of a comparator, and a reference capacitance provided as acapacitive network that is coupled to the sense node of the comparator.The comparator unit is herein also referred to as a comparator-functioncircuit block.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram that schematically illustrates a circuit ina one embodiment. The circuit is configured as a comparator-functioncircuit block 100, briefly also referred to as ‘comparator block’. Thecomparator-function circuit block 100 comprises an input portion 44 thatis coupled to an input terminal 10 of the comparator block 100 and to aground terminal 11. The comparator block 100 comprises acomparator-circuit portion 50 that is coupled to the input portion 44and to an output terminal 70. The comparator block 100 further comprisesa reference capacitance 30 that, via a sense node 40, is coupled to theinput portion 44 and to the comparator-circuit portion 50.

In some embodiments, in addition to the coupling of the referencecapacitance 30 via the sense node 40 to the comparator-circuit portion50, a control link 60 is provided to couple the comparator-circuitportion 50 to the reference capacitance 30. In some embodiments, thecontrol link 60 is configured to provide an output signal from thecomparator-circuit portion 50 as a control signal to the referencecapacitance 30, for example, for use in control of the capacitivenetwork in reference capacitance 30. In some embodiments, the controllink 60 includes a control unit 64 configured to process an outputsignal, for example a digital output-signal voltage VOUT, received fromthe comparator-circuit portion 50 and, based on the output signal, toform the control signal. In some embodiments, the control unit 64 isconfigured to process an external control signal provided to the controlunit 64 via an external control link 62. In some embodiments, thecontrol unit 64 is configured to control, based on at least one of theoutput signals from the comparator-circuit 50 and the external controlsignal, the configuration of the capacitive network of the referencecapacitance 30, for example switch settings. In some embodiments, thecontrol unit 64 is configured to control the input portion 44. Thecontrol unit 64 can be any processing means, for example amicrocontroller, or a programmable logic device, in particular,configured to or adapted to perform the acts described herein. Thecontrol unit 64 can be co-located with or form a portion of thecomparator block 100. In some embodiments, the control unit 64 islocated external to the comparator block 100.

Further, the reference capacitance 30 is coupled to a first-levelreference voltage node 33 and to a second-level reference voltage node34. In some embodiments, the reference capacitance 30 is coupled to oneor more further-level reference voltage node(s) (not shown) such as athird-level reference voltage node. The reference capacitance 30 can beprovided as a capacitive network. Thus, the reference capacitance 30 cancomprise a plurality of capacitances. Generally, the referencecapacitance 30 can be configurable in terms of size of capacitanceconnected to either the first-level reference voltage node 33 or to thesecond-level reference voltage node 34. As will be described in anexample below, where the reference capacitance 30 is provided as acapacitive network, at least one capacitance of the plurality ofcapacitances of the capacitive network can be provided as a switchedcapacitance that is selectively controllable to configure the capacitivenetwork.

The structure and operation of the comparator-function circuit block 100(comparator block 100) will now be described in more detail.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary detail of thecircuit shown in FIG. 1. Generally, the comparator-circuit portion 50can include a comparator circuit 55 that is configured to operate as adifferential comparator having a first sense node and a second sensenode. In some embodiments, the first sense node of the comparatorcircuit 55 is also the sense node of the comparator-circuit portion 50,whereas the second sense node of the comparator circuit 55 is used as areference node that can be kept internal to the comparator-circuitportion 50. The comparator circuit 55 can be configured to form anoutput-signal voltage VOUT to be representative of a voltage differencebetween sense node and reference node being positive or negative. Thus,in effect, the output-signal is digital, i.e., representative of logical“0” and logical “1”.

Still with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, now inmore detail, the comparator-circuit portion 50 includes the comparatorcircuit 55 having the first sense node 51, the second sense node 52 andan output node 57. The first sense node 51 can be set to a sense-nodevoltage VSN. The second sense node 52 can be set to a threshold voltageVTH. The comparator circuit 55 is configured to compare the sense-nodevoltage VSN at the first sense node 51 to the threshold voltage VTH atthe second sense node 52 and, at the output node 57, to output anoutput-signal voltage VOUT that is indicative of either the sense-nodevoltage VSN being larger than threshold voltage VTH or the thresholdvoltage VTH being larger than the sense-node voltage VSN. Thus, theoutput signal from the comparator circuit 55 is digital.

Still with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, thecircuit can further comprise a common mode switch 54 coupled between thefirst sense node 51 and the second sense node 52 of the comparatorcircuit 55. The first sense node 51 and the second sense node 52 can beconnected via the common mode switch 54.

The output node 57 is coupled, via a branch node 53, to the control link60. Based on the output-signal voltage VOUT, the control link 60 cancarry an output signal from the comparator circuit 55. The control linkcan be implemented as a wireline. A wireless implementation can also becontemplated, for example in order to filter the output signal to betransmitted via the control link from noise or otherwise reduce aneffect of noise on the output signal. As discussed above with referenceto FIG. 1, the control link 60 can encompass the control unit 64 (notshown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the second sense node 52 of thecomparator circuit 55 is coupled, via the common mode switch 54, to abias voltage output node of the comparator (not shown). At least oneeffect can be that, using an external bias voltage, an offset of thecomparator circuit 55 can be adjusted.

Generally, the circuit of the comparator-function circuit block 100 canhave the input terminal configured to be set to the input-signal voltageVIN. An input switch can be coupled between the input terminal and theinput node. In some embodiments, the circuit further comprises areference terminal configured to be set to a reference input voltage,and a reference switch coupled between a reference terminal and theinput node, wherein the reference switch is configured to be closedwhile the common mode switch is closed. In some embodiments, thereference terminal is configured to be set to a supply voltage. In someembodiments, the reference terminal is configured to be set to a voltageat ground VGND.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary detail of thecircuit of the comparator-function circuit block shown in FIG. 1. Theinput portion 44 of the circuit in comparator block 100 includes aninput capacitance 45 having a first conductor coupled, via an input node43 and an input switch 41, to the input terminal 10. Further, the firstconductor is coupled, via the input node 43 and a ground switch 42, tothe ground terminal 11. The input capacitance 45 has a second conductorthat is coupled to the sense node 40. In some embodiments, the circuitis configured to have the input node 43 set to the input-signal voltageVIN while the common mode switch 54 is open. In some embodiments, theinput switch 41 is configured to be open during a charge phase of‘refreshing’ the charge on the input capacitance 45 and the referencecapacitance 30 and to be closed during an operative phase of the circuitwhere, for example, the input-signal voltage is to be sensed. In someembodiments, the comparator block 100 is configured to have the inputcapacitance 45 set to a reference input voltage level VGND while thecommon mode switch 54 is closed. Thus, if the common mode switch 54 isclosed, the first sense node 51 and the second sense node 52 are set toa same voltage, i.e., VTH=VSN. Further, the comparator block 100 can beconfigured to have the input capacitance 45 set to the reference inputvoltage level VGND so as to charge the reference capacitance 30.

Generally, in some embodiments, the at least one switched capacitance,via a first-level switch, is coupled to a first-level reference node,and, via a second-level switch, is coupled to a second-level referencenode. In some embodiments, the the first-level switch and/or thesecond-level switch can be selectively controlled to configure thereference capacitance. In some embodiments, the first-level switch andthe second-level switch are configured not to be simultaneously closedor simultaneously open. Nevertheless, it should be understood that insome implementations, during a process of switching, i.e., during aprocess of changing setting of the switch from open to closed or fromclosed to open, a transitory open state can occur where both, thefirst-level switch and the second-level switch, are open; likewise, insome implementations a transitory closed state can occur, where both,the first-level switch and the second-level switch, are closed. In someembodiments, the first-level switch and the second-level switch areintegrated to form a toggle switch configured to establish a connectionbetween the switched capacitance and either the first-level referencenode or the second-level reference node.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram that illustrates another exemplary detailof the circuit in the comparator-function circuit block shown in FIG. 1.The capacitive network of reference capacitance 30 includes a firstswitched capacitance 31 and a second switched capacitance 32. While inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the capacitive network includestwo switched capacitances, any other number of switched capacitances canbe implemented as needed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, acapacitance value of the first switched capacitance 31 and a capacitancevalue of the second switched capacitance 32 are equal. However, inanother implementation the capacitance value of the first switchedcapacitance 31 is twice as large as the capacitance value of the secondswitched capacitance 32. Generally, where the capacitive networkincludes a plurality of switched capacitances these can be made inthermometer style, i.e., each having the same capacitance value, or theycan be dimensioned in a binary style, i.e., with capacitance valuesbeing a predetermined minimum capacitance value times a power of twowherein the capacitance values of no two of the switched capacitancesare no capacitance value and the same. A first conductor of the firstswitched capacitance 31 and a first conductor of the second switchedcapacitance 32 are coupled to the sense node 40. A second conductor ofthe first switched capacitance 31 is coupled, via a first-level switch35, to the first-level reference voltage node 33. Further, a secondconductor of the first switched capacitance 31 is coupled, viasecond-level switch 36, to the second-level reference voltage node 34.The second conductor of the second switched capacitance 32 is coupled,via a first-level switch 37, to the first-level reference voltage node33. Further, the second conductor of the second switched capacitance 32is coupled, via a second-level switch 38, to the second-level referencevoltage node 34. The first-level switches 35, 37 and the second-levelswitches 36, 38 are coupled to the control link 60 and configured toswitch individually in accordance with the control signal provided viathe control link 60. In some implementations a pair of, in the case ofthe first switched capacitance 31, first-level switch 35 andsecond-level switch 36 (in the case of the second switched capacitance32, first-level switch 37 and second-level switch 38) is configured suchthat the first-level switch and the second-level switch cannot besimultaneously closed. In some embodiments the first-level referencevoltage node 33 is set to a first level reference voltage, for example apredetermined and/or constant positive reference voltage VRP, while thesecond-level reference voltage node 34 is set to a second levelreference voltage, for example a predetermined and/or constant negativereference voltage VRN. In some implementations, the voltage differencebetween the first level reference voltage and the second level referencevoltage can be based on a semiconductor bandgap.

In some embodiments, the control unit 64 (not shown in FIG. 4) isconfigured to control the reference capacitance 30. In particular, insome implementations, the control unit 64 is configured to control theat least one switched capacitance 31, 32. The control unit 64 can beconfigured to process a signal received from the comparator-circuitportion 50 (not shown in FIG. 4) to configure, based on the signal, thereference capacitance 30. For example, the control unit 64 can beprovided as a logic circuit. In some implementations, the logic circuitis configured to process the signal received from the comparator-circuitportion 50 as digital signal. In some embodiments, the control unit 64is configured to base control of the at least one switched capacitance31, 32 on the comparator output-signal formed while the input node 43 isset to the reference input voltage level VGND. In some embodiments, thecontrol unit 64 is configured to control the switched capacitance 31, 32so as to compensate, at the sense node 51, a comparator offset voltage.In some embodiments, the switched capacitance control unit is configuredto control the switched capacitance 31, 32 so as to set an effectivethreshold voltage to a predetermined value. For example, the controlunit 64 can be configured to output a plurality of digital switchsignals, each digital switch signal to control one switched capacitanceof the plurality of switched capacitances 31, 32. In such animplementation, the control link 60 can include a plurality of controllines, each to connect to a different one of first-level switches 35, 37and second-level switches 36, 38. In some embodiments, the switchedcapacitance control unit is configured to control the common mode switch54 so as to have the common switch 54 closed while the first-levelswitch 35, 37 is closed. At least one effect can that the referencecapacitance 30 can be charged, for example, during a charge phaseprovided to recharge the reference capacitance to the first levelreference voltage VRP. In some embodiments, the control unit isconfigured to have the reference capacitance 30 repeatedly charged. Insome embodiments, the control unit is configured to have the referencecapacitance 30 periodically charged. A duration of a period can beconstant and predetermined. In some implementations, the duration can besubject to control by the control unit 64.

Now, in operation of the comparator-function circuit block 100, theinput terminal 10 is set to an input-signal voltage VIN. Accordingly,the input-signal voltage VIN is supplied to the input portion 44.Further, using ground terminal 11, the input portion 44 can tap into avoltage at ground VGND. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises, during the charge phase, charging the input capacitance 45 toa reference input voltage level VGND. It should be understood that thevoltage at ground VGND can be any reference voltage defined as groundfor the purpose of a given implementation. The input portion 44contributes to a sense-node voltage VSN at the sense node 40 that isalso applied at the comparator-circuit portion 50. Thecomparator-circuit portion 50 provides an output-signal voltage VOUT tothe output terminal 70 of the comparator-function circuit block 100.Further, the comparator-circuit portion 50 sets the control link 60 to acontrol signal. The control signal is applied to the referencecapacitance 30. The reference capacitance 30 tabs the positive referencevoltage VRP at the first-level reference voltage node 33 and negativereference voltage VRN at the second-level reference voltage node 34.Further, the capacitive network of reference capacitance 30 contributesto the sense-node voltage VSN at the sense node 40. At least, two modes,states or phases of operation can be distinguished according to howswitches in the comparator block 100 are set. Below, a charge phase andan operative phase will be discussed in more detail. Additionally, atleast in some implementations, a calibration phase and/or one or moretypes of transitory phases can be distinguished.

First, the comparator-function circuit block 100 is initialised. To thisend, the charge phase is entered. During the charge phase, in the inputportion 44, the ground switch 42 is closed while the input switch 41 isopen. This will be further discussed below when describing a refresh ofcharges on the circuit's capacitances 31, 32, 45. In thecomparator-circuit portion 50, the common mode switch 54 is closed.Thus, the threshold voltage VTH is set to both, the first sense node 51and the second sense node 52. In the capacitive network of referencecapacitance 30, the first switched capacitance 31 and the secondswitched capacitance 32 can be controlled by a control signal. Thecontrol signal can be based on an output-signal voltage VOUT of thecomparator circuit 55 and be provided via signal link 60. Control of thefirst switched capacitance 31 can be performed by using the first-levelswitch 35 and the second-level switch 36. Control of the second switchedcapacitance 32 can be performed by using the first-level switch 37 andthe second-level switch 38. In some implementations, the control isperformed such that charge on the first switched capacitance 31 and inthe second switched capacitance 32 contributes to the sense-node voltageVSN so as to provide the effective threshold voltage of comparator block100 as needed. Thus, the comparator block 100 can be set to a desiredeffective threshold voltage. In some implementations, the initialisationphase can be performed whenever a setting of an effective thresholdvoltage is desired.

In some implementations, the initialisation is extended to perform afurther calibration of the comparator-circuit portion 50, for example,to take account of a comparator offset introduced when opening thecommon mode switch 54 from the closed setting during the charge phase.

Next, the operative phase is entered. During the operative phase, in theinput portion 44, the input switch 41 is closed while the ground switch42 is open. The input capacitance 45 is charged according to adifference of the sense-node voltage VSN to the input-signal voltageVIN. Thus, the input capacitance 45, in effect, divides the voltage VINto provide a voltage contribution VIN′=a*VIN at the common node 40,wherein a is some factor that can be smaller than 1. In the comparatorportion, the common mode switch 54 is open. Thus, the comparator circuit55 is operative to compare the sense-node voltage VSN that is applied tothe first comparator sense node 51 to the threshold voltage VTH that isapplied to the second comparator sense node 52. Since the firstcomparator sense node 51 and the second comparator sense node 52 formhigh resistance elements, the first comparator sense node 51 and thesecond comparator sense node 52 do hardly affect the sense-node voltageVSN. However, in the capacitive network of the reference capacitance 30,since, as described above with reference to the initialisation, thefirst switched capacitance 31 and the second switched capacitance 32 areindividually switched to one of the first-level reference voltage VRPand the second-level reference voltage VRN, charge on the first switchedcapacitance 31 and the second switched capacitance 32 can contribute tothe sense-node voltage VSN. An effect can be that, as the case may be,while the sense-node voltage VSN follows the input-signal voltage VIN,the sense-node voltage VSN is shifted by a constant voltage VON withrespect to the input-signal voltage VIN such that VSN=a*VIN+VCN. Thus, adifference deltaVIN in the input-signal voltage is reflected in adifference deltaVSN in the sense-node voltage deltaVSN=a*deltaVIN, andthe constant voltage VCN causes a constant shift of the effectivethreshold voltage with respect to the threshold voltage VTH. While theconstant voltage VCN is constant in the sense that it does not depend onthe input-signal voltage VIN, it can still be varied, as explained abovewith respect to the initialisation phase, by switching the firstswitched capacitance 31 and by switching the second switched capacitance32 either to the first-level reference voltage VRP or to thesecond-level reference voltage VRN so as to collectively store acapacitive network charge as a sum of charge on the first switchedcapacitance 31 and on the second switched capacitance 32. There is noshift of the sense-node voltage VSN, as long as the voltage across theinput capacitance is constant. If the input-signal voltage VIN changes,the comparator output-signal voltage can change and the control unit 64can provide a control signal to the capacitive network of the referencecapacitance 30 to switch one or more of the first-level switches and thesecond-level switches. Thus, the charge redistributed between theswitched capacitances 31, 32 and the input capacitance 45 can bechanged. Therefore, the constant voltage VCN is changed. Due to therebalancing of charges on the input capacitance 45 and in the capacitivenetwork of the reference capacitance 30, a new effective thresholdvoltage of the comparator-function circuit block 100 is obtained. Thus,even if the input-signal voltage VIN is constant, switching one or moreof the switched capacitances 31, 32 can change the output signal at theoutput node of the comparator 55.

During the next charge phase, in the comparator portion, the common modeswitch 54 is, again, closed and the comparator circuit 55 is operativeto compare the sense-node voltage VSN that is applied to the firstcomparator sense node 51 to the threshold voltage VTH that is applied tothe second comparator sense node 52. In some implementations, forexample, using the coupling of the second comparator sense node 52 tothe bias voltage output node of the comparator (not shown), thethreshold voltage VTH can be adjusted to a bias point of the comparator55. However, in the input portion 44, the input switch 41 is open.Therefore, the sense-node voltage VSN is no longer based on theinput-signal voltage VIN. Meanwhile, the ground switch 42 is closed, andthe input capacitance 45 is charged according to a difference of thesense-node voltage VSN to the voltage at ground VGND whereby charge onthe input capacitance, in effect, is refreshed. Accordingly, the chargephase can also be referred to as a refresh phase. For example, asdescribed above, the charge phase is performed during initialisationwhen the input capacitance 45 and/or the reference capacitance 30 ischarged for use during the operative phase wherein the comparatorcircuit 55 processes the input-signal voltage VIN to provide thesense-node voltage VSN for comparison to the threshold voltage VTH.Further, the charge phase effects a refresh when the when the inputcapacitance 45 and/or the reference capacitance 30 is recharged toreplace charge that, for example during a previous operative phase,leaked from the respective capacitance. In contrast, during theoperative phase, in a case where the reference capacitance 30 isprovided as the plurality of capacitances, charge can be redistributedfrom one capacitance to another of the plurality of capacitances.

An exemplary method of processing the input-signal voltage VIN toprovide the sense-node voltage VSN for comparison to the thresholdvoltage VTH comprises configuring the reference capacitance 30 coupledto the input capacitance 45; during the charge phase, charging thereference capacitance 30 to the first level reference voltage VRP toobtain, at the sense node 40 between the reference capacitance 30 andthe input capacitance 45, the sense-node voltage VSN; during theoperative phase, setting the input capacitance 45 to the input-signalvoltage VIN to obtain, at the sense node 40, the sense-node voltage VSN;and forming an output-signal voltage VOUT that is digital andrepresentative of a difference between the threshold voltage VTH and thesense-node voltage VSN being positive or negative. Another exemplarymethod for processing the input-signal voltage VIN to compare thesense-node voltage VSN to the threshold voltage VTH comprises storingcharge on the reference capacitance 30; setting the input-signal voltageVIN to the input capacitance 45, wherein the reference capacitance 30and the input capacitance 45 share the sense node 40 as a common node;and setting the first sense node 51 of the comparator circuit 55 to thesense-node voltage VSN at the sense node 40, wherein the charge on thereference capacitance 30 is based on the output signal VOUT of thecomparator circuit 55. In some embodiments, the configuring thereference capacitance 30 is based on the output signal VOUT of thecomparator circuit 55. At least one effect can be that, depending on aconfiguration of the reference capacitance 30, an amount of charge onthe reference capacitance 30 can be controlled.

Generally, in some embodiments, the method comprises a first mode ofoperation, wherein the comparator performs a comparison and a secondmode of operation wherein the comparator performs a reset. In someimplementations, the method comprises, during the charge phase,configuring the reference capacitance 30 so as to compensate, at thefirst sense node 51 of the comparator circuit 55, comparator offsetvoltage. In some embodiments, where the reference capacitance isprovided as the plurality of switched capacitances 31, 32, theconfiguring the reference capacitance 30 includes selectively switchingswitched capacitances 31, 32. The switched capacitances 31, 32, whencharging, can use one of at least a first reference voltage level VRPand a second reference voltage level VRN. Thus, in some embodiments, themethod further comprises selectively setting the reference capacitance30 to the second level reference voltage VRN, wherein the second levelreference voltage VRN is below the first level reference voltage VRP andthe input-signal voltage VIN is above the reference input voltage levelVGND, or wherein the second level reference voltage is above the firstlevel reference voltage and the input-signal voltage is below thereference input voltage. In some implementations, the configuring thereference capacitance is performed when the comparator performs thecomparison. The method can further comprise, after the storing charge onthe reference capacitance 30, redistributing the charges on thereference capacitance 30 and on the input capacitance 45.

In some embodiments, a difference between the first reference voltagelevel VRP and the second reference voltage level VRN is based on abandgap voltage. In some embodiments, the method comprises, during thecharge phase, feeding an output-signal voltage VOUT based on the digitalsignal back to the first sense node 51. The method, in someimplementations with the comparator circuit being a differentialcomparator circuit, further comprises forming the digital signal so asto be representative of the voltage difference between the first sensenode and the second sense node being positive or negative.

In one implementation, the control of the redistribution of charge onthe reference capacitance 30 and in the input capacitance 45 can be usedin a positive feedback scheme, sometimes also referred to as hysteresis,to avoid that the digital output signal voltage VOUT toggles.Conventionally, toggling can occur in a situation where an idealinput-signal voltage, i.e., having smooth development in time withoutnoise, would simply ‘cross’ the threshold voltage, i.e., rise close tothe threshold voltage be equal to the threshold voltage and then belarger than the threshold voltage, or vice versa. However, in practice,noise on the input-signal voltage and/or on the threshold voltage tendsto provide, close to the crossing of the threshold voltage, a non-smoothdevelopment of the input-signal voltage that leads to multiple crossingswhen compared with the threshold voltage within a short interval oftime. In this case, the digital output-signal voltage toggles. Incontrast, the comparator-function circuit block 100 described herein, inone implementation, can be configured such that, upon detection of achange in the digital output-signal voltage VOUT, the referencecapacitance 30 is configured so as to effectively increase a differencebetween the sense-node voltage VSN (input-signal voltage VIN) at thefirst sense node 51 of the comparator circuit 55 and the thresholdvoltage VTH at the second sense node 52 of the comparator circuit 55. Insome implementations, the control unit 64 is configured to provide acontrol signal to the capacitive network of the reference capacitance 30that switches, for example, the first switched capacitance 31 and/or thesecond switched capacitance 32. Thus, in some embodiments, it can beachieved that most noise does not impact the input-signal voltage VIN somuch as the voltage difference of the sense-node voltage VSN to thethreshold voltage VTH. In some implementations, the comparator-functioncircuit block can include a switched hysteresis capacitance configuredto store an amount of charge commensurate with a predetermined thresholdvoltage difference. In one example, the switched hysteresis capacitanceforms part of the capacitive network of the reference capacitance 30.For example, the switches hysteresis capacitance is implemented as thesecond switched capacitance 32, dedicated for use in suppression of thenoise effects, which is switched, as described above, irrespective ofswitch states of the other first switched capacitance(s) 31 of thecapacitive network of the reference capacitance 30. In someimplementations, the control unit can be configured to switch back theswitched hysteresis capacitance after a predetermined interval haspassed from switching the switched hysteresis capacitance. Thus, afterhaving first detected a crossing, if the input-signal voltage changesperiodically, the predetermined interval can be used for futureswitching of the switched hysteresis capacitance. In particular, in someimplementations, the switching can be controlled so as to occur evenslightly before the crossing happens so as to suppress any occurrence oftoggling in the digital output-signal voltage even further.

More generally, in one aspect a circuit for processing an input-signalvoltage comprises a voltage processing device including a sense nodecoupled to an input terminal for the input-signal voltage. The circuit,in some embodiments, comprises an input capacitance coupled between thesense node and the input terminal. The circuit comprises a referencecapacitance coupled to the sense node. In some embodiments, thereference capacitance and the input capacitance share a common node thatis coupled to the sense node. In some embodiments, the referencecapacitance is configurable based on an output signal of the voltageprocessing device. In some embodiments, the input capacitance isconfigurable based on an output signal of the voltage processing device.The voltage processing device can be configured to form an output signalvoltage based on a voltage at the sense node. In some embodiments, thevoltage processing device is provided as a comparator configured to formthe output signal voltage based on a comparison of the voltage at thesense node to a threshold voltage.

Some embodiments of the circuit further comprise a control unitconfigured to configure, based on the signal received from the voltageprocessing device, the reference capacitance and/or the inputcapacitance. In some embodiments the control unit is provided as a logiccircuit configured to process the signal received from the voltageprocessing device as a digital signal. In some embodiments, the voltageprocessing device is configured to operate at least in a first mode ofoperation where the voltage processing device performs the processing ofthe voltage at the sense node to form the output signal voltage. Forexample, the voltage processing device can be provided as a comparatorconfigured to perform a comparison of the voltage at the sense node to athreshold voltage. Further, the voltage processing device can beconfigured to operate in a second mode of operation where the circuitperforms a reset. For example, the voltage processing device performs areset. In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to configurethe reference capacitance so as to change an amount of charge on thereference capacitance when the voltage processing device processes thevoltage at the sense node, for example, where the voltage processingdevice is provided as a comparator, by way of comparison of the voltageat the sense node to the threshold voltage.

In some embodiments, the reference capacitance, via a first levelswitch, is coupled to a first-level reference node. In some embodiments,the reference capacitance, via a second level switch, is coupled to asecond-level reference node. A difference between a voltage at thefirst-level reference node and a voltage at the second-level referencenode can be based on a bandgap voltage. In some embodiments, thedifference of the voltage at the first-level reference node and thevoltage at the second-level reference node is ratiometricallypredetermined or ratiometrically determined during operation of thecircuit.

In some embodiments the reference capacitance is configurable in termsof size. For example, in some implementations, the reference capacitanceis provided as a plurality of switched capacitances. In some embodimentsthe input capacitance is configurable in terms of size. For example, insome implementations, the input capacitance is provided as a pluralityof switched capacitances. In some embodiments both, the referencecapacitance and the input capacitance include at least one switchedcapacitance. The at least one switched capacitance can be controllableby the control unit. In some implementations, the control unit isprovided as a logic circuit configured to output a plurality of digitalswitch signals, each digital switch signal to control one switchedcapacitance of the plurality of switched capacitances. In someembodiments, the reference capacitance or the input capacitance includesa switched hysteresis capacitance configured to selectively contribute,based on the output signal voltage, a predetermined charge in the chargeredistribution.

As described above with reference to the comparator-function block, thecontrol of the redistribution of charge in the reference capacitance andin the input capacitance can generally be used in a positive feedbackscheme. The positive feedback scheme can be implemented in embodimentsof a circuit that has a voltage processing device configured to form,based on the voltage at the sense node, an output signal voltage inorder to avoid that the digital output signal voltage toggles. In anaspect, therefore, a method for processing an input-signal voltagecomprises storing charge on a reference capacitance and setting an inputcapacitance to the input-signal voltage. The method further comprisesperforming a charge redistribution between the reference capacitance andthe input capacitance. The method further comprises, based on the chargeredistribution, deriving an output signal. In some implementations, aproduct of the voltage across the reference capacitance and the ratio ofthe size of the reference capacitance and the size of charge on theinput capacitance and the size of charge on the reference capacitance isbased on the output signal.

In some implementations, the method further comprises setting a firstvoltage across the input capacitance to a first predetermined resetvoltage value. In some implementations, the method further comprisessetting a second voltage across the reference capacitance to a secondpredetermined reset voltage value. In some implementations, the derivingthe output signal is performed during a first mode of operation. In someimplementations, the setting the first voltage across the inputcapacitance and the setting the second voltage across the referencecapacitance are performed during a second mode of operation that differsfrom the first mode of operation. In some implementations, the methodfurther comprises scheduling the first mode of operation and the secondmode of operation in an alternate sequence.

In some implementations, the method further comprises, based on theoutput signal, at least one of configuring the size of the reference,configuring the size of the input capacitance, and setting the voltageacross the reference capacitance. In some implementations, the referencecapacitance is provided as a plurality of switched capacitances, whereinthe configuring the reference capacitance includes selectively switchingswitched capacitances. In some implementations, the switchedcapacitances, when charging, use one of at least a first referencevoltage level and a second reference voltage level. In someimplementations, a difference between the first reference voltage leveland the second reference voltage level is based on one of a groupconsisting of a bandgap voltage and a ratiometrically determinedvoltage.

In some implementations, the deriving the output signal includescomparing a voltage at a node between the input capacitance and thereference capacitance to a threshold voltage. In some implementations,the method further comprises, based on a result of the comparing,forming the output signal.

Now, further implementations of the above-described circuits and methodswill be disclosed in a broader perspective. Generally, an exemplarycircuit for processing an input-signal voltage comprises a firstcomparator including a first-comparator sense node and afirst-comparator output node and a second comparator comprising asecond-comparator sense node and a second-comparator output node. Thecircuit further comprises a comparator select switch coupled between acommon input terminal of the circuit, herein also referred to as pathinput terminal, and the first-comparator sense node and thesecond-comparator sense node. The circuit further comprises an outputcircuit coupled to the first-comparator output and to thesecond-comparator output node. In some implementations, the comparatorselect switch is configured to connect the path input terminal to atleast one of the first-comparator sense node and the second-comparatorsense node. Further, the output circuit is configured to form acomparator output signal of the circuit based on a first-comparatoroutput signal received from the first-comparator output node and/or on asecond-comparator output signal received from the second-comparatoroutput node. In some embodiments, the second comparator is structurallyprovided like the first comparator. In some embodiments, the secondcomparator is configured to operatively complement the first comparator.At least one effect will be explained by way of examples below: wherefirst and second comparators are used in a complementary way, acontinuous comparing operation can be achieved in a case where one orboth of the first and second comparators operate discontinuously.

In some embodiments, if the setting of the comparator select switch isso as to connect the path input terminal to a single one of thefirst-comparator sense node and the second-comparator sense node, theoutput circuit is configured to form the comparator output signal basedon a corresponding single one of the first-comparator output signal andthe second-comparator output signal. In some embodiments, the circuitfurther comprises an input capacitance coupled between the comparatorselect switch and the first-comparator sense node. In some embodiments,the comparator select switch is configured to set the input-signalvoltage to the input capacitance while the at least one switchedcapacitance is controlled so as to redistribute charge on the inputcapacitance and charge on the reference capacitance.

In some embodiments, the output circuit is configured to form thecomparator output signal of the circuit based on a logical combinationof the first-comparator output signal and the second-comparator outputsignal. In some embodiments, the logical combination is a logical AND.In some embodiments, the output circuit is configured to form thecomparator output signal based on a setting of the comparator selectswitch. In some embodiments, the output circuit is configured to formthe comparator output signal based on the logical combination, if thesetting of the comparator select switch is so as to connect the inputterminal to both the first-comparator sense node and thesecond-comparator sense node.

In some embodiments, the circuit further comprises a referencecapacitance that is coupled to the first-comparator sense node, whereinthe reference capacitance comprises at least one switched capacitancethat is selectively controllable. In some embodiments, the comparatorselect switch is configured to disconnect the input terminal from thefirst-comparator sense node while the at least one switched capacitanceis controlled so as to set an effective threshold voltage to apredetermined value.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram that illustrates a circuit 500 in oneembodiment configured to process an input-signal voltage VIN using an(internal) threshold voltage VTH. The circuit 500 includes a commoninput terminal, herein also referred to as path input terminal 511, afirst comparator-function circuit block (comparator block) 515 having afirst-comparator sense node 514 that is coupled to the path inputterminal 511 via a first comparator select switch 512 and a secondcomparator block 525 having a second-comparator sense node 524 that iscoupled to the path input terminal 511 via a second comparator selectswitch 522. In some embodiments, the second comparator block 525 isstructurally provided like the first comparator block 515. The firstcomparator block 515 and/or the second comparator block 525 areconfigured as the comparator-function circuit block 100 described abovewith reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In particular, a first referencecapacitance can be coupled to the first-comparator sense node 514. Insome embodiments, the second comparator block 525 comprises a secondreference capacitance; the second reference capacitance can be coupledto the second-comparator sense node 524. In some embodiments, the inputswitch of the comparator-function circuit block 515, 525 implements orforms the comparator select switch 512, 522.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the first comparator select switch512 is controllable to couple the path input terminal 511 to thefirst-comparator sense node 514 and the second comparator select switch522 is controllable to couple the path input terminal 511 to thesecond-comparator sense node 524. In some embodiments, the firstcomparator select switch 512 and the second comparator select switch 522are provided collectively as one toggle switch (not shown). In someembodiments, the circuit 500 further comprises a first input capacitancecoupled between the comparator select switch and the first-comparatorsense node 514. The first comparator select switch 512 can be configuredand/or controlled to set the input-signal voltage VIN to the inputcapacitance while the first comparator block 515 performs thecomparison. Likewise, the circuit 500 can comprise a second inputcapacitance coupled between the second comparator select switch 522 andthe second-comparator sense node 524. The second comparator selectswitch 522 can be configured and/or controlled to apply the input-signalvoltage VIN to the input capacitance while the first comparator block525 performs a comparing operation.

In some embodiments, a filter (not shown in FIG. 5) is coupled betweenthe path input terminal 511 and the first-comparator sense node 514and/or the second-comparator sense node 524. In some implementations,the filter can be provided as a low-pass filter configured to removehigh-frequency noise resultant, for example, when operating the inputswitch of the comparator-function circuit block and/or the first and/orsecond comparator select switch(es). The filter can be configured tocancel noise during switching of the first comparator select switch 512and/or the second comparator select switch 522. In some embodiments, thefilter is controllable. At least one effect can be that a filterbandwidth the can be controlled. In some embodiments, the filtercomprises a plurality of switchable resistive elements.

Further, the circuit 500 includes an output multiplexer 518 that iscoupled to an output node 516 of the first comparator block 515 and toan output node 526 of the second comparator block 525. The outputmultiplexer 518 is configured to form a multiplexed output signal, i.e.,to selectively output a voltage signal output VOUT received from thefirst comparator block 515 and/or from the second comparator block 525to a common output terminal, herein also referred to as path outputterminal 519, that is coupled to the output multiplexer 518.

The first comparator block 515 and/or the second comparator block 525 isconfigured to operate at least in a first mode of operation wherein thefirst comparator block 515 (the second comparator block 525) performs acomparison and in a second mode of operation wherein the firstcomparator block 515 (the second comparator block 525) performs a reset.Further, the first comparator block 515 (the second comparator block525) is configured to alternate the first mode of operation and thesecond mode of operation such that the first comparator block 515 (thesecond comparator block 525) performs the comparison intermittently. Asused herein, the wording ‘reset’ encompasses a recharge of capacitances,for example, in order to replace charge that leaked, for example, duringthe first mode of operation, from the capacitance; a recharge ofcapacitances is also referred to as a ‘capacitance refresh’. A reset canalso encompass a re-adjustment, for example to accommodate a fluctuationdue to a change in temperature of the comparator, of the comparatoroffset. A reset, in some cases, can also include a reconfiguration ofthe reference capacitance. Accordingly, while an interval during whichthe first comparator block 515 is operated in the first mode ofoperation herein is referred to as an ‘operative phase’ of the firstcomparator block 515, an interval during which the first comparatorblock 515 is operated in the second mode of operation is also referredto as a ‘charge phase’ of the first comparator block 515. Similarly,while an interval during which the second comparator block 525 isoperated in the first mode of operation herein is referred to as anoperative phase of the second comparator block 525, the interval duringwhich the second comparator block 525 is operated in the second mode ofoperation is also referred to a ‘charge phase’ of the second comparatorblock 525. In some embodiments, the first comparator select switch 512is configured to disconnect the path input terminal 511 from thefirst-comparator sense node 514 while the first comparator block 515performs the reset. Likewise, the second comparator select switch 522 isconfigured to disconnect the path input terminal 511 from thesecond-comparator sense node 524 while the second comparator block 525performs the reset.

FIG. 6 shows a table 600 that illustrates states of the circuit in FIG.5. The table 600 provides an exemplary overview of settings of the firstcomparator select switch (in the table referred to as COMP_SEL_1) 512and of the second comparator select switch (in the table referred to asCOMP_SEL_2) 522 as well as of states of the first comparator block 515and of the second comparator block 525. In one phase (in the table:PHASE_1) both, the first comparator select switch 512 and the secondcomparator select switch 522, are closed. Accordingly, both, the firstcomparator block 515 and the second comparator block 525, are in anoperative mode (in the table referred to as SENSE). However, in someembodiments, the second comparator block 525 is configured tooperatively complement the first comparator block 515. This is seen inother phases (in the table: PHASE_2 and PHASE_3) where the firstcomparator select switch 512 is closed while the second comparatorselect switch 522 is open (PHASE_2) and where, accordingly, the firstcomparator block 515 is in the operative mode (SENSE) while the secondcomparator block 525 is in the charge mode (in the table referred to asREFRESH), or vice versa (PHASE_3). At least one effect can be that, aslong as the circuit 500 is operated according to one of theafore-described modes, the output multiplexer 518 can select anoutput-signal voltage VOUT to be provided to the path output terminal519 that is based on the input-signal voltage VIN. In yet another phase(in the table: PHASE_4) both, the first comparator select switch 512 andthe second comparator select switch 522, are open. In someimplementations, this can happen during start-up of the circuit 500 oranother initialisation of the circuit 500, where no comparator block515, 525 is operative. Should that mode of operation be implemented infurther operation of the circuit, a further comparator (not shown inFIG. 5) could be switched in parallel to the circuit shown in FIG. 5 inorder to provide an output-signal voltage at the path output terminal519 that is continuously based on the input-signal voltage VIN. Thiswill be described below with reference to an implementation illustratedin FIG. 7.

Generally, an exemplary circuit for processing a plurality ofinput-signal voltages comprises a plurality of path input terminalscoupled, via a plurality of comparators arranged in parallel, to aplurality of path output terminals, wherein the plurality of comparatorscomprises more comparators than there are path input terminals coupledto path output terminals. The exemplary circuit further comprises anoutput circuit coupled to a plurality of output nodes of the pluralityof comparators. The output circuit is configured to form a plurality ofcomparator output signals of the circuit based on a logical combinationof a plurality of output signals received from the plurality ofcomparator output nodes. At least one effect can be a reduction of errorin a digital output signal. One effect can be provision of a continuoustime digital output signal despite a discontinuous comparator operation.Since some discontinuous comparator concepts, as explained above withreference, for example, to embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5,provide more precise comparison results than conventional continuoustime comparators, one effect can be in a continuous time operation toachieve more precise comparison results.

In some embodiments, the path input terminals are each, via a couplingpath uniquely associated with the path input terminal, associated with adifferent path output terminal. The coupling paths can each beconfigured to establish a connection between the path input terminal andthe path output terminal. Thus, each path output terminal, via therespective coupling path, is uniquely associated with a different pathinput terminal. In some implementations, the circuit further comprises,in each coupling path between the path input terminals and the pathoutput terminals at least two comparators and an comparator selectswitch coupled between the path input terminal and the comparators. Thecomparator select switch can be controllable to establish the connectionfrom the path input terminal to at least one of the comparators.

In some implementations, in each coupling path, at least one of the atleast two comparators is provided with a reference capacitance coupledto an input node of the comparator. In some implementations, thereference capacitance comprises at least one switched capacitance thatis selectively controllable. The circuit can further comprise a controlunit configured to selectively break a connection between the path inputterminal and the path output terminal via the at least one comparator,at least one switched capacitance is controlled so as to set aneffective threshold voltage to a predetermined value. In someembodiments, at least two coupling paths comprise a common comparator.In some implementations, the at least two coupling paths furthercomprise an input multiplexer coupled between the at least two couplingpaths' path input terminals and the common comparator, wherein the inputmultiplexer is configured to combine input received at the path inputterminals of the at least two coupling paths into a combined input to beprovided to the common comparator.

In some embodiments, the at least two coupling paths comprise an outputselect switch coupled between the common comparator and the outputcircuits of the at least two coupling paths. The output select switchcan be controllable to establish a connection from the common comparatorto a selected one of the at least two coupling paths' output circuits.In some implementations, the output circuit is configured to form, foreach coupling path, a comparator output signal based on a setting of thecomparator select switch. the output circuit can be configured, in eachcoupling path, to form the comparator output signal based on the logicalcombination of output signals received from the plurality of comparatoroutput nodes of the at least two comparators, if the setting of thecomparator select switch is so as to connect the path input terminal tomore than one comparator. In some implementations, the output circuit isconfigured, in each coupling path, to form the comparator output signal,if the setting of the comparator select switch in the each coupling pathis so as to connect the path input terminal to a single one of thecomparators, based on an output signal of the single one of theplurality of the comparators. Examples of the above-describedembodiments and exemplary implementations of the underlying conceptswill now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram that illustrates a circuit 700 in athird embodiment. The circuit is configured to process a plurality ofinput-signal voltages VIN_1 and VIN_2 using a plurality of associatedthreshold voltages. The circuit 700 comprises a plurality of path inputterminals (in the example illustrated in FIG. 7 these are a first pathinput terminal 711 and a second path input terminal 721) coupled, via aplurality of comparators (in the example illustrated in FIG. 7 these area first comparator block 715, a second comparator block 725 and a thirdcomparator block 735) arranged in parallel, to a plurality of outputterminals (in the example illustrated in FIG. 7 these are a first pathoutput terminal 719 and a second path output terminal 729). It should benoted that the number of comparator-function circuit blocks 715, 725,735 (three in the example of FIG. 7) exceeds the number of path inputterminals 711, 721 that are coupled, in the example, to a first pathoutput terminal 719 and a second path output terminal 729 (thus, twopath terminals in the example of FIG. 7). Generally, the path inputterminals 711, 721 are each associated with a different path outputterminal 719, 729. The association is established via a respectivecoupling path 710, 720 (in FIG. 7 merely schematically indicated by anencirclement with an elliptical broken line) that is uniquely associatedwith the path input terminal 711, 721. Thus, each path output terminal719, 729, via the respective coupling path 710, 720, is uniquelyassociated with a different path input terminal 711, 721.

The coupling paths between the path input terminals 711, 721 and thepath output terminals 719, 729 each comprise at least two comparators.In some implementations, the coupling paths are each configured toselectively establish a connection between the path input terminal andthe path output terminal by one comparator only. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 7, the first path input terminal 711 is coupled, viaa first coupling path 710, to the first path output terminal 719.Generally, the coupling paths, for each of the at least two comparators,comprise an associated comparator select switch that is coupled betweenthe path input terminal and an associated one of the at least twocomparators. The comparator select switch can be controllable toestablish the connection from the path input terminal to the associatedone of the coupling path's at least two comparators. As shown withreference to the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the first coupling path710 runs, via a first comparator select switch 712, to afirst-comparator sense node 714 in the first comparator block 715, and,via second comparator select switch 722 and an input multiplexer 713, toa second-comparator sense node 724 in second comparator block 725.Generally, in some embodiments, the at least two coupling paths furthercomprise an input multiplexer coupled between the at least two couplingpaths' input terminals and the common comparator. In some embodiments,the input multiplexer can be configured to select input received at theinput terminals of the at least two coupling paths into a multiplexedinput to be provided to the common comparator.

Now with reference to FIG. 7, to complete the first coupling path 710,the first comparator block 715 and the second comparator block 725 arecoupled both, via a first output multiplexer 718, to the first pathoutput terminal 719. Likewise, the second path input terminal 721 iscoupled, via a second coupling path 720, to the second path outputterminal 729. The second coupling path 720 runs, via a third comparatorselect switch 732 and the input multiplexer 713, to thesecond-comparator sense node 724 in the second comparator block 725,and, via a fourth comparator select switch 742, to a third-comparatorsense node 734 in a third comparator block 735. The second comparatorblock 725 and the third comparator block 735 are coupled both, via asecond output multiplexer 728, to the second path output terminal 729.Generally, the output multiplexer is configured to select one of anoutput received from the at least two comparators so as to form amultiplexed output signal to be provided at the path output terminal.

Generally, at least two coupling paths can comprise a common comparator.While both, first coupling path 710 and second coupling path 720,include two comparators, the two coupling paths also share onecomparator (the second comparator block 725). Accordingly, a controlunit (not shown in FIG. 7) can be implemented that is configured tocontrol settings of the comparator select switches 722, 732 so as toavoid a situation where the second comparator block 725 issimultaneously connected in the first coupling path 710 and in thesecond coupling path 720, at least at a time where the firstinput-signal voltage VIN_1 and the second input-signal voltage VIN_2 areset to the first path input terminal 711 and to the second path inputterminal 721, respectively. Generally, the control unit can beconfigured to control the comparator select switch and/or the outputselect switch so as to selectively make or break the coupling path viathe common comparator between the path input terminal and the pathoutput terminal. The control unit can be configured to control thecomparator select switches such that the multiplexed output signalseamlessly combines output from the comparators of the coupling path. Atleast one effect can be that the multiplexed output signal iscontinuously based on the input signal at the path input terminal whichis associated with the respective path output terminal. As describedabove, the control unit can be configured to control the comparatorselect switch and/or the output select switch such that the combinedoutput, at a time, consists of output from only one comparator. In someimplementations, the control unit is provided as a state-machine.

Generally, at least one of the at least two comparators in one couplingpath can be configured to operate at least in a first mode of operation,wherein the at least one of the at least two comparators performs acomparison, and in a second mode of operation, wherein the at least oneof the at least two comparators performs a reset, herein also referredto as a refresh. As already discussed above with reference to thecircuit illustrated in the example in FIG. 7, the control unit (notshown in FIG. 7) can further be implemented to control settings of thecomparator select switches 712, 722, 732 and 742 so as to allow thefirst comparator block 715, the second comparator block 725 and/or thethird comparator block 735 time for refresh of reference capacitance,where such capacitance is implemented, for example, in an implementationof the respective comparator according to the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 and described above. In effect, in theillustrated implementation, while one comparator block 715 is allowedtime for refresh, the other comparator blocks 725, 735 are connectedeach in a different one of the first coupling path 710 and the secondcoupling path 720. In some implementations, generally, the at least twocoupling paths comprise an output select switch coupled between thecommon comparator and the path output terminals of the at least twocoupling paths. In some embodiments, the output select switch iscontrollable to establish a connection from the common comparator to aselected one of the at least two coupling paths' path output terminals.

FIG. 8 shows a table 800 that illustrates states of the circuit in FIG.7 when operated, for example, as described above. The table 800 providesan exemplary overview of settings of the first comparator select switch712 (in the table 800 referred to as COMP_SEL_1), of the secondcomparator select switch 722 (COMP_SEL_2), of the third comparatorselect switch 732 (COMP_SEL_3) and of the fourth comparator selectswitch 742 (COMP_SEL_4). In an exemplary implementation as discussedabove, the operation of the circuit 700 comprises, for each path inputterminal 711, 721, selectively making a coupling via one comparator oftwo comparator blocks 715 and 725, 725 and 735 provided in parallel toform a coupling path 710, 720 from the path input terminal 711, 721 toan associated output terminal 719, 729, while breaking the coupling viathe other comparator. This is illustrated in the table 800 that providesan exemplary overview of states of the first comparator block 715, ofthe second comparator block 725 and of the third comparator block 735.In a first phase (in the table 800 referred to as PHASE_1) the firstcomparator select switch 712 (COMP_SEL_1) is open, while the secondcomparator select switch 722 (COMP_SEL_2), is closed. Accordingly, thefirst comparator block 715 (in the table 800 referred to as COMP_1) isin the charge mode (in the table 800 referred to as REFRESH). The firstinput-signal voltage VIN_1 is thus provided to the second comparatorblock 725 (COMP_2) which is in the operative mode (in the table 800referred to as SENSE). Meanwhile, the third comparator select switch 732(COMP_SEL_3) is open. Thus, the second input-signal voltage VIN_2 iskept away from the first coupling path 710. The fourth comparator selectswitch 742 (COMP_SEL_4) is closed, whereby the second input input-signalvoltage VIN_2 is provided to the third comparator block 735 (COMP_3)which is in the operative mode (SENSE).

However, in some embodiments, the second comparator block 725 isconfigured to operatively complement the first comparator block 715and/or the third comparator block 735. This is seen in other phases(PHASE_2 and PHASE_3). In the second phase (PHASE_2) the firstcomparator select switch 712 and the fourth comparator select switch 742are closed while the second comparator select switch 722 and the thirdcomparator select switch 732 are open. Accordingly, the first comparatorblock 715 and the third comparator block 735 are in the operative mode(SENSE) while the second comparator block 725 is in the charge mode(REFRESH). Further, in a third phase (PHASE_3) the fourth comparatorselect switch 742 is open, while the third comparator select switch 732,is closed. Accordingly, the third comparator block 735 (COMP_3) is inthe charge mode (REFRESH). The second input-signal voltage VIN_2 is thusprovided to the second comparator block 525 (COMP_2) which is in theoperative mode (SENSE). Meanwhile, the second comparator select switch722 is open. Thus, the first input-signal voltage VIN_1 is kept awayfrom the second coupling path 720. The first comparator select switch712 is closed, whereby the first input input-signal voltage VIN_1 isprovided to the first comparator block 715 (COMP_1) which is in theoperative mode. At least one effect can be that, as long as the circuit700 is operated according to one of the afore-described modes, in thefirst coupling path 710, the first output multiplexer 718 can,essentially continuously, receive an output-signal voltage VOUT_1 fromeither the first comparator block 715 or the second comparator block 725to be provided to the first path output terminal 719 that is based onthe first input-signal voltage VIN_1. Likewise, in the second couplingpath 720, the second output multiplexer 728 can, essentiallycontinuously, receive an output-signal voltage VOUT_2 from either thesecond comparator block 725 or the third comparator block 735 to beprovided to the second path output terminal 729 that is based on thesecond input signal VIN_2.

In a fourth phase (PHASE_4), the first comparator select switch 712, thethird comparator select switch 732 and the fourth comparator selectswitch 742 are closed while the second comparator select switch 722 isopen. The first coupling path 710 uses the first comparator block 715 toform the first output-signal voltage VOUT_1. Having regard to the secondcoupling path 720, both, the second comparator block 725 and the thirdcomparator block 735, are used and the second output multiplexer 728 canselect an output-signal voltage VOUT_2 from either the second comparatorblock 725 or the third comparator block 735 to be provided to the secondpath output terminal 729. The operation in the second coupling path 720is thus similar to the operation during the fourth phase PHASE_4 of thetable 600 in FIG. 6 that was discussed above with reference to FIG. 5.In some implementations, a logic circuit (not shown in FIG. 7) can basethe output-signal voltage VOUT_2 on a logical combination, for examplean AND combination, of the output signal provided from the secondcomparator block 725 and the output signal provided from the thirdcomparator block 735.

In a fifth phase (PHASE_5), the first comparator select switch 712 andthe fourth comparator select switch 742 are closed as in the fourthphase (PHASE_4), but the third comparator select switch 732 is open andthe second comparator select switch 722 is closed. The difference tooperation in the fourth phase (PHASE_4) is thus that the roles of thefirst coupling path 710 and the second coupling path 720 exchanged. Inone implementation, the fourth and/or the fifth phase can betransitional phases that occur during a transition between the first andthe second phase and/or during a transition between the second and thethird phase and/or during a transition between the third and the firstphase. It should be understood that the wording ‘transition’ as usedherein is not to be understood as limiting with respect to relativelength, in particular to a duration of the transitional phase (PHASE_4,PHASE_5) should be much shorter than a duration of the other phases(PHASE_1, PHASE_2, PHASE_3). Further, the sequential numbering shouldnot be understood to be limiting. For example transitional phase couldalso be implemented to occur between the third phase and the secondphase or to occur between the third phase and the first phase or tooccur between the second phase and the first phase.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram that illustrates a circuit 900 in afourth embodiment. The circuit 900 is configured to process a pluralityof input-signal voltages VIN_1, VIN_2, VIN_3 using a plurality ofassociated threshold voltages. The circuit 900 comprises a first pathinput terminal 911, a second path input terminal 921 and a third pathinput terminal 931 coupled, via a plurality of comparators (in theexample illustrated in FIG. 9 these are a first comparator block 915, asecond comparator block 925, a third comparator block 935 and a fourthcomparator block 945 arranged in parallel, to a first path outputterminal 919, a second path output terminal 929 and a third path outputterminal 939. The circuit 900 resembles the circuit 700 illustrated asan example in FIG. 7 as well as the circuit 500 illustrated is a basicexample in FIG. 5. In particular, it should be noted that the number ofcomparator blocks 915, 925, 935, 945 (four in the example of FIG. 9 assupposed to three in the example of FIG. 7) exceeds the number of inputterminals 911, 921, 931 coupled to path output terminals 919, 929, 939by one. Generally, the input terminals 911, 921, 931 are each, via acoupling path 910, 920, 930 that each is uniquely associated with one ofthe path input terminals 911, 921, 931, associated with a different pathoutput terminal 919, 929, 939, whereby each path output terminal 919,929, 939, via the respective coupling path 910, 920, 930, is uniquelyassociated with a different input path input terminal 911, 921, 931. Thestructure of the exemplary circuit 900 is conceptually similar to thestructure of the exemplary circuits 500 and 700, discussed above indetail. Therefore, a detailed description will now be foregone. Instead,reference is made to the examples described above.

FIG. 10 shows a table 1000 that illustrates some exemplary states of thecircuit in FIG. 9 when operated, for example, as described above. Thetable 1000 provides an exemplary overview of settings of the sixcomparator select switches 912, 922, 932, 942, 952, 962 (in the table1000 referred to as COMP_SEL_1 COMP_SEL_6). In an exemplaryimplementation, the operation of the circuit 900 comprises, for eachinput terminal 911, 921, 931, selectively making a coupling via one in apair of comparator blocks 915 and 925, 925 and 935, 935 and 945 that areprovided in parallel to form, pairwise, a coupling path 910, 920, 930from the input terminal 911, 921, 931 to an associated output terminal919, 929, 939, while breaking the coupling via the other comparatorblock in the respective pair. This is illustrated in the table 1000 thatprovides an exemplary overview of states of the first to fourthcomparator blocks 915, 925, 935 and 945. In a first phase (in the table800 referred to as PHASE_1) the first comparator select switch 912 isopen, while the second comparator select switch 922, is closed.Accordingly, the first comparator block 915 (COMP_1) is in the chargemode (REFRESH). The first input-signal voltage VIN_1 is thus provided tothe second comparator block 925 (COMP_2) which is in the operative mode(SENSE). Thus, during the first phase the first coupling path 910 (inthe table 1000 referred to as PATH_1) uses the second comparator block925 (COMP_2) but not the first comparator block 915. Meanwhile, thethird comparator select switch 932 is open. Thus, the secondinput-signal voltage VIN_2 is kept away from the first coupling path910. The fourth comparator select switch 942 is closed, whereby thesecond input input-signal voltage VIN_2 is provided to the thirdcomparator block 935 (COMP_3) which is in the operative mode. Thus,during the first phase the second coupling path 920 (PATH_2) uses thethird comparator block 935 (COMP_3) but not the second comparator block925. Similarly, the fifth comparator select switch 952 is open. Thus,the third input-signal voltage VIN_3 is kept away from the secondcoupling path 920. The sixth comparator select switch 962 is closed,whereby the third input input-signal voltage VIN_3 is provided to thefourth comparator block 945 (COMP_4) which is in the operative mode.Thus, during the first phase the third coupling path 930 (PATH_3) usesthe fourth comparator block 945 (COMP_4) but not the third comparatorblock 935.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, in some embodiments,the second comparator block 925 can be configured to operativelycomplement the first comparator block 915 and/or the third comparatorblock 935. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, further, the thirdcomparator block 935 can be configured to operatively complement thesecond comparator block 925 and/or the fourth comparator block 945. Anexemplary operation in the first to fourth phases (PHASE_1, PHASE_2,PHASE_3, PHASE_4) will now be discussed. During the first phase(PHASE_1) the second comparator block 925 (COMP_2) is in operative mode(SENSE) and used in the first coupling path 910 (PATH_1), whereby thefirst comparator block 915 (COMP_1) can be in charge mode (REFRESH), forexample, to recharge its capacitances. During the third phase (PHASE_3)the second comparator block 925 (COMP_2) is in operative mode (SENSE)and used in the second coupling path 920 (PATH_2), whereby the thirdcomparator block 935 (COMP_3) can be in charge mode (REFRESH), forexample, to recharge its capacitances. In contrast, during the secondphase (PHASE_2) the second comparator block 925 is cut from anyinput-signal voltage, since the second comparator select switch 922(COMP_SEL_2) and the third comparator select switch 932 (COMP_SEL_3) areboth open. Thereby, the second comparator block 925 (COMP_2) can be incharge mode (REFRESH), for example, to recharge its capacitances. Stillduring the second phase (PHASE_2), the third comparator block 935(COMP_3) is in operative mode (SENSE) and used in the second couplingpath 920 (PATH_2), whereby the second comparator block 925 (COMP_2) canbe in charge mode (REFRESH), for example, to recharge its capacitances.During the fourth phase (PHASE_4) the third comparator block 935(COMP_3) is in operative mode (SENSE) and used in the third couplingpath 930 (PATH_3), whereby the fourth comparator block 945 (COMP_4) canbe in charge mode (REFRESH), for example, to recharge its capacitances.In contrast, during the third phase (PHASE_3) the third comparator block935 is cut from any input-signal voltage, since the fourth comparatorselect switch 942 (COMP_SEL_4) and the fifth comparator select switch952 (COMP_SEL_5) are both open. Thereby, the third comparator block 935(COMP_3) can be in charge mode (REFRESH), for example, to recharge itscapacitances. Thus, while the comparator blocks 915, 925, 935, 945 eachdo not continuously operate in the operative mode, still a continuousoutput-signal voltage VOUT_1, VOUT_2, VOUT_3 based on an associatedinput-signal voltage VIN_1, VIN_2, VIN_3 is provided for each couplingpath 910, 920, 930.

Generally, a method of processing at least one input-signal voltage in acircuit is disclosed herein. The circuit comprises, as described withreference to the examples described above and illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7and 9, at least one path input terminal coupled, via a plurality ofcomparators, to at least one path output terminal, wherein the pluralityof comparators comprises more comparators than there are path inputterminals coupled to path output terminals. The method comprises, foreach path input terminal, selectively making a coupling via onecomparator of two comparators provided in parallel to form a couplingpath from the path input terminal to an associated path output terminal,while breaking the coupling via the other comparator. In someimplementations the method further comprises sharing the one comparatorbetween at least a first coupling path from a first path input terminalto a first path output terminal and a second coupling path from a secondpath input terminal to a second path output terminal, In someimplementations, in the second coupling path, the making the couplingvia the one comparator comprises, in the first coupling path, breakingthe coupling via the one comparator and, in the first coupling path,making the coupling via the other comparator. In some implementations,the method further comprises, during the breaking the coupling via theother comparator, charging a reference capacitance coupled to a sensenode of the other comparator.

Arrangements and procedures of the described implementations may beimplemented in a sensor system, a special purpose computer, a programmedmicroprocessor or micro-controller and peripheral integrated circuitelement(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signalprocessor, a flashable device, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuitsuch as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device such asPLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, a modem, a transmitter/receiver, any comparabledevice, or the like. The disclosed arrangements may be implementedpartially or fully in hardware using logic circuits or VLSI design.

In the above description of exemplary implementations, for purposes ofexplanation, specific numbers, materials configurations, and otherdetails are set forth in order to better explain the invention, asclaimed. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that theclaimed invention may be practised using different details than theexemplary ones described herein. Exemplary implementations/embodimentsdiscussed herein may have various components collocated; however, itshould be appreciated that the components of the arrangements may becombined into one or more apparatuses. As used herein, the wording‘circuit block’ and ‘circuit portion’ should be understood functionally.Therefore, in some implementations, a circuit block may not structurallyappear as such in circuitry of a product; elements of the circuit blockmay be distributed in various locations of the circuitry of the product.Likewise, a circuit portion can be distributed.

As used herein, the word ‘exemplary’ means serving as an example,instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as‘exemplary’ is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the wordexemplary is intended to present concepts and techniques in a concretefashion. The term ‘techniques,’ for instance, may refer to one or moredevices, apparatuses, systems, methods, articles of manufacture, and/orcomputer-readable instructions as indicated by the context describedherein.

As used herein, the terms ‘coupled’ and ‘connected’ may have been usedto describe how various elements interface. Unless expressly stated orat least implied otherwise, such described interfacing of variouselements may be either direct or indirect.

As used herein, the terms ‘having’, ‘containing’, ‘including’, ‘with’ orvariants thereof, and like terms are open ended terms intended to beinclusive. These terms indicate the presence of stated elements orfeatures, but do not preclude additional elements or features.

As used herein, terms such as ‘first’, ‘second’, and the like, are alsoused to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are alsonot intended to be limiting. Where some implementations were describedabove with respect to a first and a second functionality, otherimplementations that are not illustrated can include only the firstfunctionality (not second functionality) or can include only the secondfunctionality (not the first functionality).

As used herein, the wording ‘to perform continuously’ is not necessarilyto be understood as unconditionally ‘always’. Conditions such as aprerequisite for a certain continuous mode of operation can be definedto be met as a requirement for a continuous performance. The continuousperformance can be defined to last as long as the conditions are met.One condition can be activation of a continuous mode of operation havinga predetermined condition for deactivation such as completion of apredetermined duration.

As used herein, the term ‘or’ is intended to mean an inclusive ‘or’rather than an exclusive ‘or.’ That is, unless specified otherwise orclear from context, ‘X employs A or B’ is intended to mean any of thenatural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; orX employs both A and B, then ‘X employs A or B’ is satisfied under anyof the foregoing instances.

As used herein, the articles ‘a’ and ‘an’ should generally be construedto mean ‘one or more,’ unless specified otherwise or clear from contextto be directed to a singular form.

As used herein, the wording ‘reset’ encompasses a recharge ofcapacitances in order to replace charge that leaked, for example, duringthe first mode of operation, from the capacitance; a recharge ofcapacitances is also referred to as a ‘capacitance refresh’. A reset canalso encompass a re-adjustment, for example to accommodate a fluctuationdue to a change in temperature of the comparator, of the comparatoroffset. A reset, in some cases, can also include a reconfiguration ofthe reference capacitance.

In some embodiments a programmable logic device (for example a fieldprogrammable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of thefunctionalities of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, afield programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor inorder to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, themethods can be performed by any hardware apparatus.

While the invention has been illustrated and described with respect toone or more implementations, alterations and/or modifications may bemade to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit andscope of the appended claims. In particular regard to the variousfunctions performed by the above described components or structures(assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms (including areference to a ‘means’) used to describe such components are intended tocorrespond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structurewhich performs the specified function of the described component (e.g.,that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurallyequivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in theherein illustrated exemplary implementations of the invention. It is tobe understood that the features of the various embodiments describedherein may be combined with each other, unless specifically notedotherwise.

1. A circuit, for processing an input-signal voltage, comprising a firstcomparator comprising a first-comparator sense node and a referencecapacitance that is coupled to the first-comparator sense node, a secondcomparator comprising a second-comparator sense node, and a comparatorselect switch coupled between a path input terminal of the circuit andthe first-comparator sense node and the second-comparator sense node,wherein the comparator select switch is configured to selectively couplethe path input terminal to one of the first-comparator sense node andthe second-comparator sense node.
 2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein thefirst comparator is configured to operate at least in a first mode ofoperation wherein the first comparator performs a comparison and in asecond mode of operation wherein the first comparator performs a reset,and wherein the first comparator is configured to alternate the firstmode of operation and the second mode of operation such that the firstcomparator performs the comparison intermittently.
 3. The circuit ofclaim 2, wherein the comparator select switch is configured todisconnect the path input terminal from the first-comparator sense nodewhile the first comparator performs the reset.
 4. The circuit of claim3, further comprising an input capacitance coupled between thecomparator select switch and the first-comparator sense node; whereinthe comparator select switch is configured to set the input-signalvoltage to the input capacitance while the first comparator performs thecomparison.
 5. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the second comparator isstructurally provided like the first comparator.
 6. The circuit of claim5, wherein the second comparator is configured to operatively complementthe first comparator.
 7. The circuit of claim 1, further comprising afilter coupled between the path input terminal and the comparator selectswitch, wherein the filter is configured to cancel noise duringswitching of the comparator select switch.
 8. The circuit of claim 7,wherein the filter is controllable.
 9. The circuit of claim 7, whereinthe filter comprises a plurality of switchable resistive elements. 10.The circuit of claim 1, further comprising an output multiplexer coupledto a first-comparator output of the first comparator and to asecond-comparator output of the second comparator and configured toselect one of a signal output from the first-comparator output and asignal output from the second-comparator output, so as to form amultiplexed output signal.
 11. A circuit, for processing a plurality ofinput-signal voltages, the circuit comprising: a plurality of path inputterminals coupled, via a plurality of comparators arranged in parallel,to a plurality of path output terminals, wherein the plurality ofcomparators comprises more comparators than there are path inputterminals coupled to path output terminals.
 12. The circuit of claim 11,wherein the path input terminals are each, via a coupling path that isuniquely associated with the path input terminal, associated with adifferent output terminal, whereby each path output terminal, via therespective coupling path, is uniquely associated with a different pathinput terminal.
 13. The circuit of claim 12, wherein the coupling pathsbetween the path input terminals and the path output terminals eachcomprise at least two comparators, and wherein the coupling paths areeach configured to selectively establish a connection between the pathinput terminal and the path output terminal by one comparator only. 14.The circuit of claim 13, wherein at least one of the at least twocomparators is configured to operate at least in a first mode ofoperation, wherein the at least one of the at least two comparatorsperforms a comparison, and in a second mode of operation, wherein the atleast one of the at least two comparators performs a reset; the circuitfurther comprising a control unit configured to selectively break aconnection between the path input terminal and the path output terminalvia the at least one comparator, while the at least one comparatorperforms the reset.
 15. The circuit of claim 14, wherein the couplingpaths, for each of the at least two comparators, comprise an associatedcomparator select switch that is coupled between the path input-terminaland an associated one of the at least two comparators, wherein thecomparator select switch is controllable to establish the connectionfrom the path input terminal to the associated one of the couplingpath's at least two comparators.
 16. The circuit of claim 15, whereinthe coupling paths each further comprise an output multiplexer coupledbetween the at least two comparators and the path output terminal,wherein the output multiplexer is configured to select one of an outputreceived from the at least two comparators so as to form a multiplexedoutput signal to be provided at the path output terminal.
 17. Thecircuit of claim 16, wherein the control unit is configured to controlthe comparator select switch such that the multiplexed output signalseamlessly combines output from the at least two comparators.
 18. Thecircuit of claim 12, wherein at least two coupling paths comprise acommon comparator.
 19. The circuit of claim 18, wherein the at least twocoupling paths comprise an output select switch coupled between thecommon comparator and the path output terminals of the at least twocoupling paths, wherein the output select switch is controllable toestablish a connection from the common comparator to a selected one ofthe at least two coupling paths' path output terminals.
 20. The circuitof claim 19, wherein the at least two coupling paths further comprise aninput multiplexer coupled between the at least two coupling paths' pathinput terminals and the common comparator, wherein the input multiplexeris configured to select input received at the path input terminals ofthe at least two coupling paths into a multiplexed input to be providedto the common comparator.
 21. The circuit of claim 18, wherein thecontrol unit is configured to control the comparator select switchand/or the output select switch so as to selectively make or break thecoupling path via the common comparator between the path input terminaland the path output terminal.
 22. The circuit of claim 21, wherein thecontrol unit is configured to control the comparator select switchand/or the output select switch such that a combined output provided atthe path output terminal, at a time, consists of output from only onecomparator.
 23. The circuit of claim 14, wherein the control unit isprovided as a state-machine.
 24. A method of processing at least oneinput-signal voltage using at least one associated threshold voltage ina circuit comprising at least one path input terminal coupled, via aplurality of comparators, to at least one path output terminal, whereinthe plurality of comparators comprises more comparators than there arepath input terminals coupled to path output terminals, the methodcomprising: for each path input terminal, selectively making a couplingvia one comparator of two comparators provided in parallel to form acoupling path from the path input terminal to an associated path outputterminal, while breaking the coupling via the other comparator.
 25. Themethod of claim 24, further comprising sharing the one comparatorbetween at least a first coupling path from a first path input terminalto a first path output terminal and a second coupling path from a secondpath input terminal to a second path output terminal, wherein, themaking the coupling in the second coupling path via the one comparatorcomprises breaking the coupling in the first coupling path via the onecomparator and making the coupling, in the first coupling path via theother comparator.
 26. The method of claim 24, further comprising, duringthe breaking the coupling via the other comparator, charging a referencecapacitance coupled to a sense node of the other comparator.